Technical Associate - Research & Development

About the role

The candidate will assume responsibility for the second-shift operation of a Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB-SEM) within an advanced analytical sciences laboratory. This onsite position is located in Wilmington, DE and will work under the direction of experienced scientists to provide analytical support for Research & Development (R&D), Technical Service & Development (TS&D), and Manufacturing organizations. The role involves operating sophisticated microscopy equipment, preparing samples for analysis, performing materials characterization, and supporting critical research and manufacturing initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for analysis, following established procedures using equipment such as mechanical polishers, plasma or sputter coaters, and FIB-SEM cross-section milling and lift-out procedures
• Perform FIB-SEM analyses including imaging, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), and assess basic data quality
• Review and organize collected data for reporting to customers
• Perform routine instrument maintenance, following established procedures
• Dispose of laboratory waste according to established protocols
• Work second-shift hours and coordinate work with first-shift FIB-SEM operator
• Adhere to all safety protocols

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Engineering, or related scientific discipline
• Laboratory experience in an academic, research, or industrial setting
• Experience handling chemicals in a laboratory environment
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety procedures
• Ability to work under tight timelines and competing priorities
• Strong communication and teamwork skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Electron Microscopy experience
• FIB-SEM (Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy) experience
• SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) experience
• EDS (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy) experience
• EBSD (Electron Backscatter Diffraction) experience
• Sample preparation experience
• Materials characterization experience
• Mechanical polishing experience
• Plasma coating or sputter coating experience
• Research laboratory experience

Schedule

Work hours/days: 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday, 4:00 PM – 12:30 AM (Second Shift). Candidate will be trained during daytime hours (8:30 AM – 5 PM) for the first three months.

Pay

$31.69/hr